Macomb Daily Facebook readers largely opposed to smoking ban

Doug Bauman/For the Daily Tribune
Morton’s The Steakhouse in Troy hosted a party before the state’s smoking ban took effect. From left, Executive Chef Edward Takacs and Assistant Manager Bob Hoppenrath.

A new study commissioned by the Michigan Department of Community Health found that Michigan’s smoking ban has not negatively impacted eating and drinking establishments. However, Scott Ellis, executive director of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, has been quoted as saying, declining tax collections and Keno lottery sales have been linked to the ban.

In the past, bar owners have been quite vocal regarding their opposition to the ban.

Nick Kyprianides, owner of Kick Ass Sport Bar on 14 Mile near Dequindre, said the initial impact was devastating to his business.

“I was down $2,000 or 80 percent of my business on the first day,” Kyprianides told The Macomb Daily. “I would say 25 to 30 percent of my customers are smokers and they represent 90 percent of our business.”

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Wait staff at various establishments also reported a decline in tips; there was also fear of customers running out on a bill, under the guise of “going out for a smoke.”

Not all the news was negative, however. Kyprianides’ other business, a family restaurant called Veranda on Garfield and 21 Mile, experienced an increase in business, apparently related to the “cleaner” atmosphere. Those who commented on the issue on The Macomb Daily and Daily Tribune Facebook pages, were also largely opposed to the law.

“I still will not go to a bar until the ban is removed,” said Lyle Koch of Mount Clemens. “We have lost many bars in the last year — most because they did not pay their taxes — but what was the reason they did not have money to pay their taxes?

“Bars should NEVER have been forced to go non-smoking,” said Sue Fancett of Clinton Township. “It doesn’t bother me as much in restaurants, but it’s still a government infringement on the rights of business and private property owners.”

“I am a bartender, and we have seen business drop quite a bit,” said Cathy Florek. “And yet another winter is right around the corner.”

“It is NOT the job of the “health Nazis” to control how we live!” said Bill England. “The law has substantially hurt restaurants and bars. I’m a non-smoker, and I STILL think its (expletive) that smokers are treated like third-class citizens! BACK OFF, BIG GOVERNMENT!!”

“Let bars decide whether they want to allow smoking,” said Michael Lesich.” I’m personally fine with a non-smoking bar, but that’s just me. As for restaurants, I really like a non-smoking atmosphere.

“People who do smoke are burning up their money,” Jackie Wisniewski said.

“Overall.... some businesses lost customers or went out of business,” said Eileen Palazzolo. “Others did not.”

“Where does it say that, as an American, you have the right to smoke? (Just curious),” said Amy Claeys of Royal Oak.

“(This) has seriously hurt small bars, seriously!” said Mary Adranga of Clinton Township.

“The economy has hurt business more than the smoking ban,” said Beverly Mathias Flaton of Roseville. “Smokers will always find a way to smoke, going outside, bathroom.

“If it’s your business you should decide whether or not to allow people to smoke,” Joseph Hickman said. “The government tells us too often what we can and cannot do on our own property.”

“How can it hurt if it is banned everywhere?” said Nora Wilke of St. Clair Shores. “It would only hurt if certain places banned it.”

“It’s so nice now and it hasn’t hurt business a bit,” said Pam Misany of Chesterfield Township.

“Another infringement on privately owned business,” said Joe Chavez. “Let’s watch our freedoms be stripped away one layer at a time. I am a non-smoker by the way. “